Meghan Markle's friends claim Netflix 'used' her to promote The Gentlemen after casting talks collapsed amid public backlash

One friend described it as 'the oldest marketing trick in the book': hand a big name a script and let word of the talks leak out. They allege Netflix was aware that season two of Guy Ritchie's series was the weaker entry, and had greenlit a third season before the second had even aired. Season two pulled three million UK viewers in its opening week, roughly 15 per cent fewer than the 3.5 million who tuned in for the first series' launch in March 2024.

Tina Brown said the UK backlash was 'so intense, it became untenable'.

The episode reportedly left 'a bit of a sour taste' in the Sussex camp.

Meghan is now rumoured to be in line for a £3.74 million Suits reunion special.